Even with the Senators enjoying an early golf season, there are still plenty of local faces to cheer for in the NHL playoffs.

Boston GM Peter Chiarelli laughs at the suggestion the Bruins should be the city of Ottawa's adopted sons. If anybody in the area is looking for a local favourite, the Bruins would be an easy choice.

Chiarelli, a former assistant GM of the Senators, is an Ottawa native. Coach Claude Julien, who still spends his summers here, grew up in Orleans and is a former Hull Olympiques coach.

Bruins top scorer Marc Savard is from Orleans and defenceman Aaron Ward grew up in Gloucester. Forwards Michael Ryder and David Krejci both played for the Olympiques, while captain Zdeno Chara and defenceman Shane Hnidy are former Senators.

While the Bruins dominated the Montreal Canadiens during the regular season with a 5-0-1 record, that's thrown out the window for their playoff matchup.

The Bruins have to battle a terrible playoff history with the Habs, losing 24-of-31 post-season series.

"I get asked about the history of this series all the time," said Chiarelli. "We've played them so much in the last two years that we know what to expect and I really don't think the history is going to be that much of a factor.

"The history speaks for itself and they've won the overwhelming majority of the series. But it's all new now. Every game is going to be an event. I know it's cliche, but we're going to take it one game at a time."

Here's a look at some of the local connections throughout the NHL:

Born and bred

D Adrian Aucoin, Calgary: Has been solid for the Flames this season and gets important minutes from coach Mike Keenan.

D Dan Boyle, San Jose: Has Stanley Cup experience from Tampa and is a Norris Trophy candidate.

RW Matt Bradley, Washington: The Stittsville native is a role player who has played an effective role for the Caps.

C Derrick Brassard, Columbus: The Gatineau native has been out with a shoulder injury and may not see action in the playoffs.

C Daniel Briere, Philadelphia: Has returned from groin surgery and had at least a point in nine of his last 12 games.

C Rod Brind'Amour, Carolina: The 38-year-old veteran was born in Ottawa, but calls British Columbia home. This could be his last run.

LW Ben Eager, Chicago: Coming off a career high in goals (11) and points (15). A rugged competitor who played in 74 games.

D Marc Methot, Columbus: Has been a solid contributor for the Jackets this season. Nothing flashy. Gets the job done.

C Marc Savard, Boston: Had a tremendous regular season with 82 points, has to show he can get the job done in the playoffs.

D Aaron Ward, Boston: He grew up in Ottawa and played his minor hockey in Gloucester. Another guy with rings from Detroit and Carolina.

C Stephane Yelle, Boston: The 34-year-old is sometimes forgotten, but he won two Stanley Cups with the Avalanche in 1996 and 2001.

Former juniors

D Brian Campbell, Chicago: Signed as a UFA on July 1, he had a career-high 45 assists and 52 points. Watch him on the power play.

C Kris Draper, Detroit: The 2004 Selke Trophy winner has four Stanley Cup rings with the Wings for a reason.

RW Claude Giroux, Philadelphia: This will be his first NHL playoff experience. Had 9-18-27 in 42 games.

C David Krejci, Boston: Former Olympique won the Bruins 'seventh-player award as the person who most exceeded expectations.

LW Jamie McGinn, San Jose: Split the season between Worcester and San Jose. Could get a chance to get some playoff experience.

C Michael Peca, Columbus: His veteran leadership will be counted on with a team that makes its first playoff appearance.

C Darrell Powe, Philadelphia: Played for Kanata in the CJHL and his family still makes their home there. Has been a nice surprise for Philly.

RW Michael Ryder, Boston: The former Olympiques star has bounced back strong with 27 goals and 26 assists in 74 games with Bruins.

C Jeremy Roenick, San Jose: This might be the last chance this 39-year-old former Olympique has to win a Cup.

C Maxime Talbot, Pittsburgh: An Olympiques graduate, he has always been a strong playoff competitor.

G Jose Theodore, Washington: Has to show he can get the job done in the post-season or the Caps will go nowhere.

G Kevin Weekes, New Jersey: Don't expect him to see a lot of action behind a guy named Martin Brodeur.

D Colin White, San Jose:Former Olympiques blueliner has won two Stanley Cup rings with the Devils (2002/2003).

C Dainius Zubrus, New Jersey: Former Pembroke Lumber King suited up for every game with the Devils this season. Had 40 points.

Former Senators

D Zdeno Chara, Boston: Had a season strong enough to make him the favourite for the Norris Trophy. Will be counted on heavily.

D Joe Corvo, Carolina: Plays a big role on the power play for Carolina and does a good job moving the puck.

D Mike Commodore, Columbus: If he plays like he did last year with the Senators, the Jackets' playoff appearance will be short.

RW Patrick Eaves, Carolina: Was stellar defensively for the Hurricanes, but didn't contribute as much on the scoreboard as needed.

RW Martin Havlat, Chicago: Former Senators winger has had a great year and led Hawks in scoring with 29 goals and 48 assists in 81 games.

D Shane Hnidy, Boston: Is a role player for the Bruins and was regularly a healthy scratch. He'll see action against the Habs.

RW Marian Hossa, Detroit: Took less money to sign, he wants to get a ring with Detroit after coming close last year in Pittsburgh.

D Brian Pothier, Washington: Back after missing most of the year with post-concussion syndrome, he could play a big role.

D Wade Redden, New York Rangers: Had a tough year. His play has to improve at both ends of the ice because he plays a lot of minutes.

RW Andre Roy, Calgary: Not sure how much ice time he's going to see, but he's a great guy to have around the room. Keeps it light.

D Sami Salo, Vancouver: Has one of the NHL's hardest shots from the points and averages more than 20 minutes per game.

C Antoine Vermette, Columbus: Dealt to the Jackets at the deadline, he has only eight points in 38 playoff games. He has to produce.